Behringer PMP 1680S Power Mixer

Behringer PMP 1680S Power Mixer — 1600 W of Headroom in One Unit

The Behringer PMP 1680S power mixer integrates a 10-channel console, dual 24-bit multi-effects processors, and a 1600 W Class D amplifier into a single 19" rack-ready enclosure aimed at gigging bands, houses of worship, schools, and mobile DJs. Designed for working musicians who need amplifier, mixer and FX in one transport-friendly unit without an external rack of outboard gear, this unit folds the rig into a 9.9 kg chassis one operator carries into the venue. Across thousands of working hours and reviewer accounts spanning more than a decade on stage, the unit has earned a reputation for genuine punch at this price tier. The Europower platform has stayed relevant since its 2010 introduction because Behringer paired a well-featured mixer with enough amplifier power to drive passive tops and sub bins at small-to-mid-sized venues.

What Sets the PMP 1680S Apart from Competing Powered Mixers

The dual 24-bit stereo FX engines give this mixer 100 presets spanning reverb, chorus, flange, delay, pitch shifter and various multi-effects — uncommon at this tier where single-FX engines dominate. Operating the FBQ Feedback Detection system, problematic frequencies light up on the 7-band graphic EQ, so an otherwise painful feedback hunt becomes a one-button operation. Eight high-quality mic preamps with switchable +48 V phantom power feed into a 3-band channel EQ plus the master stereo 7-band graphic, giving a single operator real room-tuning control.

Amplification and Power Delivery — Plenty of Clean Headroom

Class D amplification lets the PMP 1680S push sizeable wattage from a chassis that one reviewer loaded into a gig bag without help. The amplifier section is the part operators feel first — and this mixer delivers enough headroom to cover 200–300-seat rooms, according to owners using it for duos and quartets.

• For typical live situations, 2x 600 W RMS @ 4 Ohm comfortably drives a pair of full-range passive tops without pushing the amp into strain.
• Power Output (Peak @ 4 Ohm): 2x 800 W — reserve headroom for transient peaks in live vocals and kick drum
• Power Output (RMS @ 8 Ohm): 2x 300 W — matches typical passive PA cabinet ratings without forcing bridging
• Amplifier Topology: Class D — keeps weight down and efficiency up versus Class AB designs in this price range

Mixer Architecture — Inputs, Channels and EQ

The mixer section follows a classic small-format live layout: eight mono mic/line channels, two additional stereo line inputs, and a CD/Tape return on RCA for break music or backing tracks. Every channel strip carries a 3-band EQ and a 100 mm fader-style feel, so a band can dial stage mixes without a digital interface.

• Run a four-piece band plus stereo playback from one box using 10 channels (6 mono mic/line + 2 stereo + CD/Tape).
• Mic Preamps: 8 with switchable +48 V phantom power — accepts condenser mics for choir, drum overheads and acoustic instruments
• Stereo Graphic EQ: 7-band on the master bus — paired with FBQ detection for fast room tuning
• Channel EQ: 3-band per mono channel — quick tonal shaping without menu diving

Onboard Effects and Routing — Two FX Engines Plus Three Aux Sends

The dual FX architecture is unusual for a unit under €350 and beats the typical single-FX criticism that haunts budget powered mixers. Three aux sends route to monitors, internal FX, and an external loop so a single operator can run front-of-house plus a stage wedge without outboard gear.

• Vocalists and the band each get their own dedicated reverb/delay character via 2x 24-bit stereo FX engines backed by 100 presets.
• Aux Sends: 3 (monitor + 2x FX) — enough headroom for one wedge mix plus dual-stage reverb
• Output Connectors: Speaker Twist (Speakon-compatible) — locks passive cabinets in place without intermittent signal loss
• Footswitch Input: Yes — hands-free FX on/off for vocalists controlling their own effects

Who the PMP 1680S Is For — Working Bands, Solo Performers and Small Venues

The PMP 1680S is the right choice for solo artists, duos and quartets who need amplifier, mixer and effects in a single cabinet that one person can carry into a venue, plus small venues and schools that want a self-contained front-end without hiring an outside sound tech. Owner reports describe it powering passive tops and sub bins at gigs of 200–300 attendees without strain, and several owners have retired older dedicated amps after adding this unit. Worship teams and acoustic acts benefit most from the eight phantom-powered mic inputs, which remove the need for an external preamp rack when running a choir or full drum kit. Mobile DJs appreciate the RCA CD/Tape I/O for break music and the rack-mount form factor for fitting into a 19" transport case next to wireless mic receivers and a lighting controller.

Physical Design and Build — Rack-Ready and Travel-Friendly

The chassis ships ready to drop into a standard 19" rack or to sit on a desk during one-off gigs. At 9.9 kg it is light enough for one operator to load in and out of a venue, and the included rack ears let it integrate with wireless mic receivers and signal processors in a single transport rack.

• Dimensions: 315 x 460 x 220 mm — fits a 19" rack with 8U of vertical clearance
• One operator can carry the whole rig into a venue unaided thanks to a 9.9 kg chassis.
• Rackmount: Yes, rack ears included — integrates with wireless, lights and DSP in a single transport case
• Available Since: July 2010 — a long-running platform with proven field reliability